Screens

SCREENING

There are many types of screens… Sliding screen doors, hinged screen doors, window screens, screens for gazebos and porches, self-closing screens, retractable screens and overhead screens for garage doors, French doors, patio doors and sport trailers that can be motorized and operated with a remote control.

Most screens are insect screens for regular flying insects, but can be produced with a finer mesh for those little no-see-ums. Also, there are heavy duty screens for enclosed porches and pet screens that stand up to sharp little paws.

Additionally, there are solar screens to reduce the rays of the sun and privacy screens in a variety of colors, patterns and fabrics.

Screens vary in size and can be found in dimensions of up to ten feet in both directions or more.

Insect screens today are preferred in made-made materials such as fiberglass, since they do not crease or oxidize like the original aluminum mesh.

Screen colors are common in grey or charcoal black. The black does not reflect light and gives a clearer view.

SLIDING SCREEN DOOR FRAMES

Popular frames are made of wood, vinyl, steel or aluminum.

Wooden frames are usually installed on the interior side of sliding glass doorS to reduce rotting. Vinyl screen frames may last forever, but are too flexible for most homeowners. Steel frames will eventually rust. Powder-coated aluminum frames are your best bet, but there are two types of them… rolled aluminum and extruded aluminum. The latter is the strongest and most durable.

SLIDING SCREEN DOOR HANDLES

Most sliding screen door frames are equipped with plastic handle and lock assemblies. All metal hardware is preferred for durability.

SLIDING SCREEN DOOR ROLLERS (WHEELS)

Many sliding screen doors are equipped with nylon or plastic rollers. All metal rollers are preferred.

SCREEN FABRICATION, ASSEMBLY, REPAIR

When putting together a screen, it is important that it be “square”.

Screening a frame requires the proper mesh (for the application) and “spline” (to hold the mesh tightly in a groove on the frame).

The spline is usually matched with the color of the mesh and comes in over a dozen thicknesses to accommodate various grades of mesh.

Screening is an art. It takes skill to choose the proper thickness of spline for the job and to finish the job without any creases, tears, waves or bubbles.

The final step in the screening process is to neatly trim the excess mesh with a sharp blade.